What a pity it would be to value trees and shrubs only for their lovely flowers and shade.

We should also be able to admire their beautiful silhouettes, in every season. For that, each species needs to be pruned properly, to highlight its natural shape.

This Web+ Horticultural Leaflet covers the essentials of pruning woody ornamental plants, with the exception of fruit trees and roses.

You will need to approach the job differently depending on whether you are pruning a tree or a shrub, and whether you want to encourage the plant to flower or become bushier.

Pruning is an art that takes time and practice to learn. Remember that improper pruning can often be more harmful than outright neglect. So read the pointers outlined here before getting out your secateurs!

Why prune?

We prune trees and shrubs for various reasons:

• to maintain the plant's natural shape
• to maintain plant health
• to improve the quality of flowers and fruit
• to maintain the quality of the trunk and branches
• to obtain a bushier plant
• to limit the growth of fast-growing plants
• for practical reasons (too much shade, too close to a road or house, etc.)